‘The biggest energy security threat in history’: IEA chief warns 13 million barrels a day are gone with no cure in sight

A geopolitical crisis centered on Iran-U.S. conflict has created the worst global energy disruption in modern history. The double blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—where neither nation allows ships to pass—has removed 13 million barrels per day from global markets, affecting 20% of world oil trade. IEA chief Fatih Birol warned this represents an unprecedented threat, while downstream consequences include fuel price spikes, airline flight cancellations (Lufthansa: 20,000), and ticket price increases up to 20%; mine clearing will take six months.